Middle East Programs Commentary & Analysis

Our blogs feature thoughtful reflections and opinions on current events in the Middle East & North Africa.

Through our Middle East Programs, the Atlantic Council works with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

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Meet our blogs

MENASource

MENASource follows movements across the region and provides news and analysis on current events, including a platform for Middle Eastern perspectives, among others, on major issues—economic, political, security, cultural—that are at stake in the post-Arab Spring era.  

IranSource

IranSource provides a holistic look at Iran’s internal dynamics, global and regional policies, and posture through unique analysis of current events and long-term, strategic issues related to Iran.

All commentary & analysis

Event Recap

May 10, 2022

Building a New Middle East – A Conversation with US Ambassador to Israel Thomas R. Nides  

By Salwa Balla

On May 3, the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs hosted a public event with Ambassador Thomas R. Nides, US Ambassador to Israel.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

May 6, 2022

Can soccer plead ignorance? A World Cup of politics is brewing for Qatar 2022.  

By Joze Pelayo, Hamad Abbas

The integration of politics with the World Cup goes beyond the Russian invasion, as the choice of Qatar as the host nation invited significant backlash.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

May 4, 2022

Iran-linked missile and maritime threats continue. Here’s how the US and its regional partners can bolster deterrence.

By Simon Handler

A shift in US strategy is needed to reestablish credible deterrence that denies potential attacks and punishes violations in order for the US and its partners in the Middle East to counter Iranian naval aggression and missile launches. 

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

May 3, 2022

Iran sanctions raise doubts about the success of economic pressure on Russia

By Ebad Ebadi

One parallel for the new Russia sanctions can been seen in the even more stringent measures imposed against its ally, Iran. 

Iran Middle East

Event Recap

Apr 29, 2022

‘Blessing in Movement’ – Private Roundtable with Esawi Frej 

By Salwa Balla

On March 31, the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs hosted a private roundtable with Esawi Frej, Israel’s Minister of Regional Cooperation.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Apr 29, 2022

Lebanon has a parliamentary election next month. The Lebanese are eyeing it with apathy and cynicism. 

By Nicholas Blanford

Most Lebanese believe that those politicians who created the financial disaster in the first place lack the will and ability to implement sector-wide reforms.

Elections Lebanon

MENASource

Apr 28, 2022

Israel’s PM gave a Holocaust Remembrance speech without mentioning Iran. It signals a new approach.

By Daniel B. Shapiro

Naftali Bennett signals confidence that Israel will be vigilant and strong. That confidence grows out of more than just a different philosophical approach.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Apr 26, 2022

Russia’s war in Ukraine is making Saudi Arabia and the UAE rethink how they deal with US pressure over China

By Ahmed Aboudouh

Ukraine has plenty of lessons about the GCC and China’s growing strategic alignment with the US.

China East Asia

IranSource

Apr 21, 2022

Ableism exists online amongst Iranian women’s rights activists. It needs to be addressed.

By Ahou Koutchesfahani

Understanding the intersectionality of the feminist and disabled causes is important in the struggle for an open society that countless activists are striving towards. 

Human Rights Iran

China-MENA Podcast

Apr 20, 2022

Chinese Soft Power Projection in MENA

By Atlantic Council

Shaojin Chai joins us to discuss China's reliance on soft power to develop favorable influence throughout the MENA region.

China Economy & Business
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